Chain pipe wrench



Oct. 31, 1933. 5 STUART 1,933,514

CHAIN PIPE WRENCH Original Filed April 15, 1931 ing fittings jaws.

patented (jot. 31, 1933 PATEN 1,933,514 CHAINMPIPE WRENCH Willard S. Stuart,East HartfordfComi, assignor to The Billings & SpenoerCompany', a corporation of Connecticut Application April 15, 1931, Serial N0. 530,321

" Renewed July 29, 1932 18 Claims. (Cl. 81-40) 7 means for the link 7, together with improved lug My invention relates to chain pipe wrenches,

It has among its objects to provide an improved chain pipe wrench, and, more particularly, such animproved wrench of the reversible type carry- A further object of my invention is to provide such a wrench having improved pivotal connections for the end of the long link carrying the chain whereby that connection is improved and simplified and the wrench is especially adapted to use as a fittings wrench. Further objects are to provide improved means for controlling the movement of that link and its connected chain, and other improved meansior locating the chain relative to the teeth of the fittings jaw, all whereby an improved construc tion is produced especially adapted to use with a reversible fittings jaw member having front and rear fittings jaws at its exposed'ends. These and other objects and advantages of myimproved construction will, however, hereinafter more fully appear. I

In the accompanying drawing, I have shown for purposes of illustration one embodiment which in invention may assume in practice.

In the drawing, V

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a wrench equipped with my improvement, a portion of the same being broken away to facilitate illustration;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the wrench with certain partsbroken away to facilitate illustra- 1 to 6, I have shown a wrench ofthe general type 1 described and claimed in my co-pending applica tion Serial No. 485,633, filed October 1, 1930, and

embodying a body portion 1 having ausual handle 2, and upstanding front chain hook means 3, and also carrying usualside plates 4 and a lower fittings jaw member 5 between said plates, while both the plates and fittings jaw member are adapted to co-operate with a usual chain 6 carried on a usual long terminal or pivot link '7 and having its other end adapted to co-operate in a usual manner with the, hook means 3. This con struction herein also includes improved pivot means on the link i andbody lfor controlling the movement of that link relative to the member 5, and improved chain locating means on the fittings jaw carrying member 5 adapted to co-operate with the chain. a i

5 Referring first to the connections for the link 7, it will be noted that in this construction the side plates 4'are held in position by a single bolt 8 extending through the body 1 substantially midway between its ends, while the pivotal connection for the link 7 is disposed within the longitudinal lines of the body 1 and between the rear ends of the plates 4. More particularly, it will be noted that the link v7 is herein disposed in a slot '7 in the under side of the rear end of the body 1 and journaled on a tubular member or sleeve 9 disposed in suitable transverse apertures 10 in the walls of the slot '7'. I-Ierein it will also be noted that this sleeve'is of the same length as said apertures, so that the ends of the sleeve when in position in the'apertures 10 lie-substan stantially flush with the walls'of the body surrounding the apertures. Moreover, it will be noted that this sleeve 9 is provided with-a threaded ori ice head portion 11 of slightly-larger diameter and that this head 11 is. provided in its outer end with transverse slots9 to receive a suitable rotating or turning tool, and is also threaded into corresponding threads 12 in an enlargement at one end of one of the apertures 10. Herein the sleeve is also, as preferably, provided with an axial passage l3'having enlargements 14 and 15 in its opposite ends. It will also be notedthat herein these enlargements 14 and 15 receive corresponding projections 16 on the inner sides of the plates 4, and that these projections 16 fit-the apertures 14 andlS'in'Which they are received, and are preferably slightly shorter than these apertures. Thus it will beevident that with the sleeve 9 screwed by any suitable tool into position in its apertures 10, it is securely seated therein and provides ajournal sleeve or bushing for the link 7; while, when the bolt Sis in position, the plates 4 are further held in position, with their inner sides clamped tight against the opposite sides of the body 1 and the ends of the sleeve 9 and their projections 16 seated in the opposite ends of the sleeve and securely holding the plates against angular movement relative to the bolt 8. As. regards the means for controlling-the move ment of the link 7,: it will be noted that this link herein is provided with oppositely extending'lugs 17 at a point below the sleeve 9 and above the pivot pin 18 which connects the first link of the chain 6 to the link '7. Moreover, it will be noted that these lugs are provided at one side of the longitudinal center line of the link, Figure l, and near the rear edge of the same, and that each is provided with an abutting surface 19 on its front edge sloping downward. and to the left as shown in that figure. As shown, these lugs are also adapted to co-operate with corresponding depending lugs 20 on the body 1 which each have a straight or vertical abutment surface 21 and are formed on the under side of the body 1 insuch position as to have their surfaces 21 engaged by the abutment surfaces 19 of the lugs 17 after a limited swinging movement of the link to the right from the position shown in Figure 1. More particularly, it will be noted that herein these lugs 20 are disposed in such manner that their abutment surfaces 21 are directly below the axis of the link 7 and spaced laterally to the left (Figure 1) from the adjacent end of the member 5 which carries the rear fittings jaw 22 and front fittingsjaw 23. Here it will also be noted that both the front and rear ends of the member 5 are provided with cut away portions 24 having a function hereinafter described and herein on opposite sides of a link slot25 which is adapted to receive the link '7. Thus it will be observed that, while the link 7 is permitted to swing freely within the limits established by the abutting surfaces 19 and 21 on the lugs 17 and 20, the link has always a predetermined movement determined by the lugs and does not touch the first tooth of the adjacent fittings jaw, or utilize the latter as an abutment, the front edge of the link instead moving into the link slot 25 until further movement of the link is arrested by the engagement of the lugs 17 and 20.

Here attention is also directed to the fact that each. extremity of the member 5 is similar in construction as regards the cut away portions 24 and link slot 25 in its end teeth so that the member 5is reversible. Moreover, it will be noted that in this construction, when the chain is hooked over the hook means 3 and lies along the downwardly sloping front face 26 of the body 1, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1, it will be so disposed that, as in my previous application, a construction is provided which is symmetrical relative to the rear end construction just described. More particu larly, it will be noted that the pivot pin 27, for example, which is then pendent at the front end of the front fittings jaw, is so located by the front end of the latter jaw and in the first of the cut away portions 24, that the pivot pin in question islocated symmetrically with respect to the pivot pin 18 when the lugs 17 engage the lugs 20, at the same time that cutting of the chain is avoided. Moreover, as in my application mentioned, it will be noted that due to the use of a chain 6 of usual uniform character and having alternate internal'and external links, this relation will be maintained regardless of which link is hooked over the hook means 3 and consequently of the size of the pipe held by the wrench, in such manner as to permit uniform results regardless of variations, and of the direction of movement of the wrench. Attention here is moreover directed to the increased number smaller sizeof fittings jaw teeth provided on each jaw, and to the fact that the teeth on the front and rear fittings jaws extend down further and are disposed more closely adjacent vertically to the'front and rear teeth on each side plate, all in such manner as to produce a more effective construction having a more positive grip and a better camming action. It

will also be noted that, with the extremities of the first three teeth cut away, as at 24, on each of the jaws 22 and 23 and the abutments formed thereby disposed in the plane of the extremity of the fourth tooth 30, when either the jaw 22 or 23 is used asa front fittings jaw, the body of the link above the pivot pin 27 may be engaged,

by these portions 2% even when the chain is stretched or worn, in such manner as to assist in definitely locating the link pivot 27 in a symmetrical position relative to the pin 18.

As a result of my improvements, it will be observed that through the use of my improved sleeve construction, it is possible not only to simplify and cheapen the pivot construction, but also to produce a construction which, when the side plates 4 are removed and the wrench is used as a fittings wrench, has no projections such as bolts or knobs projecting from the pivot, all possible interference with the use of the wrench by rea son of these projections or lugs being eliminated, Also by reason of the pivot construction described, the plates 4 can be removed to condition the wrench for use as a fittings wrench without disturbing any part of the chain link pivot and, while the sleeve can easily be removed when desired, it is prevented from working out of its normal position in the apertures 10, in which its ends are flush with the walls of the wrench body 1,

while the wrench is thus being used without the plates 4:. Due to the hollow sleeve, it will be noted that if desired, tubing may be used in such manner as further to cheapen the construction. Moreover, by reason of the lug structure provided on the link and the body, it will be noted that the movement of the link is limitedin such manner as definitely to position the link in the desired position without requiring the same to touch the first tooth, while also producing an exceedingly simple and rugged construction. Further, it will be noted that through the provision of my improved fittings jaw structure, including the cutaway portions or abutments 24 having the link slot 25 therebetween and the new disposition of these relative to the lugs 17 and 20 and their cooperation therewith the link 7 is permitted the desired freedom of movement in the slot 7 and relative to one end of the member 5', while the latter member is of symmetrical construction and its opposite end and first cut away In the operation of my improved construction, it will be evident that, regardless of variations in the size of the pipe acted upon by the wrench, the pivots 18 and 27 being symmetrically disposed, the action of the wrench will be uniformly the same and continue to be the same ir- 1,5-

respective of reversal of the movement of the wrench, i. e. whether the front fittings jaw 23 is being used, or the rear fittings jaw 22. It will, of course, also be evident that this mechanism will function similarly when the plates 4 are in position, and regardless of the reversal of these plates, the projections 16 on the latter which at any time are not disposed in the apertures 14' and 15, then projecting toward one another in the space between the plates and in front as the'front surface 26 Bureau-4Y1. At-

. tention is also directed to! the fact that in the construction shown in Figures l' to 6 the above advantages are obtainedf'while' continuing to utili'ze only a single holding bolt 8 which is "readily removable. Further," it will alsobe evident that upon mere removal ofthis single bolt 8 and the plates 4, which are" held in'position thereby and have their projections 16 readily removable from the apertures 14'and-1-5,-a' comp1e'tely"operative'fittings wrench is immediately ai'iailablev In Figure '7 I-hav'e illustrated a modified construction of pivot means for the link 7 which, whilenot prefe'rre'dirriay be-used'if desired. In

without need for making further connections this construction, it will benotedthat asleeve is provided which is generallysimilartothe sleeve Siandprovided with a threaded head 36 similar to the head 11 previously described, but

which is provided with a bore 3'7 of uniform.

diameter. Here, it will also be noted that-a bolt 38 is extended through this bore andalso through the side plates 4 which herein have apertures 39 therein instead of projections 16. Thus it will be observed that, although it is necessary to provide this additional bolt 38 and to remove the same and the bolt 8 whenever-it is desired to remove the side plates and adapt the wrench for purely fittings jaw use, it is possible" to utilize my improved pivot sleeve construction heretofore described and produce a wrench wherein when the two bolts are removed and the wrench is used as a fittings wrench, the structure is essentially the same as that previously described.

While I have in this application specifically described one embodiment which my invention may assume in practice and one modified construction of pivot means, it will be understood that these. constructions are shown for illustrative purposes, and that my invention is not lim-- ited theretobut is capable of being embodied in various other modified forms without departing from its spirit or the scope of theappended claims.

What I claim' as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:-

1. In a chain pipe wrench, a body provided with a chain link slot and apertures in the opposite walls of said slot, a tubular member disposed in said apertures forming a journal for the chain link, jaw plates secured to said body, and means disposed in said member also locating said plates with respect to said body comprising projections on said plates'extending into' the opposite ends of said member.

2. In a chain pipe wrench, abody provided with a chain link slot and apertures in the opposite walls of said slot, and a tubular member disposed in said apertures and withinthe lat- 4. In a chain pipe wrench, a body provided I g with a chain link-slot and apertures in the op-: posite walls of said slot, a tubular member disposed in said'apertur'es and within the lateral limits" of' said'body forming a journal for the; chaindink, said -member having an enlarged threaded head threaded into one of said' aperturesfapertures (in the ends of said member, and jaw plates secured to saidbody and having projections received in said end apertures.

7 '5. In a chain pipe wrench, a body having a gchain'carr'ying linkpivoted thereon and chain fhQOk means, side jaw plates secured to said body, a tubular member forming a pivot for saidlink, and means projecting intosaid member for further positioning said plates relative tosaid body comprising projections on said plates pro'ject- 'ing into said sleeve. I

6. Ina chain pipe Wrench, a body having-a rear fittings jaw, a swinging chain linkpivoted in saidbody to the'rear of said'jaw, and means for-limiting the swinging movement of the free end ofsaid link also inhibiting engagement of a said link with said jaw. V

7. In a chain pipe wrench, a body having a fittings jaw' having-an exposed rear end,-and means onsaidbody and link for inhibiting engagement of the latter with-the rear end of said aw.' i 8. Ina chain-pipe wrench, a'body "having'a swinging chain link pivoted-therein and a rear fittings jaw having an exposed rear end,Iand m'eans onsaid, body and link for inhibitingengagement of the latter with the rear end of said jaw comprising depending lugs on said body and co-operating laterally extending lugs on said link between the pivots thereof.

9.In a chain pipe wrench, a body having a "swinging'chain link pivoted-therein and'a'rear f swinging chain link pivoted therein and a rear fittings jaw having'an exposed rear end and a slot therein receiving said link, and means on said body and link for inhibiting engagement of said link with the end wall of said slot.

10.'A fittings jaw having a toothed end cut away to provide spaced chain abutments and having a link slot in its end teeth between said abutments.

11. A fittings jaw having *a plurality of teeth out awayto provide spaced chain abutments and having a link slot b'etweensaid abutments, said abutments being disposed substantially ina plane .passingthrough the extremity of one of the teeth of said jaw.

12. In a chain pipe wrench, a bodyhaving an elongated chain carryinglink pivoted thereon,

a chain thereon comprising links shorter than said pivoted link, and chain hook means, front and. rear fittings, jawmeans on said body, means at the opposite ends thereof for symmetrically positioning saidchain and link relative thereto, side jaw plates, means for securing the 'sameto said body outside said fittings jaw means, a

and means co-operating with'said member and tubular member forming a pivot for said link,

further positioning said plates relative to said 1 body. I a

13. In a chain pipe wrench, a body having an elongated chainucarrying link pivoted thereon and chain hook means, frontv and rear fittings jaw means on said body, means independent of said rear fittings jaw means for controlling the swinging of said, link,-andmeans on the .front g end of said front fittings jaw means for positioning symmetrically with the lower. end of said link a link of the chain carried on said hook means.

14. In a chain pipe wrench, a bodyhaving an elongated chain carrying link pivoted thereon and chain hook means, front and rear fittin s jaw means on said body, means independent of said rear fittings jaw means for controlling the swinging of said link, means on the front end of said front fittings jaw means for positioning symmetrically with the lower end of said, link a link of the chain carried on said hook means, side jaw plates secured to said body outside said fittings jaws, and means coaxial with the pivot of said link onsaid body for further positioning said plates relative to the latter. I 15. In achain pipe wrench, a body having an elongated chain carrying link pivoted thereon and chain hook means, front and rear fittings jaw means on said body, means independent of said rear fittings jaw means for controllingthe swinging, of said link, means on the front end of, said front fittings jaw means for positioning symmetrically with the lower end of said link a link of the chain carried on said hook means, side jaw plates secured to said body outside said fittings jaws, means coaxial with the pivot of said link on said body for further positioning said plates relative to the latter comprising a tubular member forming a journal for said link,

and projections on said plates extending into the opposite ends of said member. 3

16. In a chain pipewrench, a body having an elongated chain carrying link pivoted thereon and chain hook means, front and rear fittings jaw means on said body, means independent. of said rear fittings jaw. means for controlling the swinging of said link, means on the front end of said front fittings jaw means for positioning symmetrically with the lower end of said link a linkfof the chain carried on said hookmeans, side jaw plates secured to said body outside said fittings jaws, means coaxialwith the pivot of said link on said body for further positioning said plates relative to the latter comprising a tubular member forming a journal for said link, and a bolt extending through said member? 17. In a chain pipe wrench, a body having chain hook means, a chain pivotally mounted on said-body and engageable with said hook means, side jaw plates removably carried on said body and having front and rear jaws on'the under 1 side thereof, and fittings jaw means on the under side of said body between said plates having front and'rear fittings jaws, said'jaws having a 

